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Head coach Randy Marks continues the hunt for the program's first post-season appearance. His Wildcats ended the 2005 campaign with a close 5-4 loss to eventual Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) champion Towson in the semi-finals of the CAA Tournament. Marks guided his `Cats to an early four-game winning streak in 2005, which led to a #20 ranking in March. That marked the fourth straight year Villanova has entered into the national rankings. He also coached Jon Urbana to the senior's second consecutive USILA All-American Honorable Mention recognition, which made Urbana the program's first two-time All-American. Marks led his 2004 team to a 12-3 record and an appearance in the CAA Championship game. The 12 wins were a new school record, and the squad's winning percentage was the highest since Marks' 1984 squad went 11-1. Overall, Marks has produced 13 winning seasons and a career record of 174-142 on the Main Line. He was named the CAA Coach of the Year in 2003 after guiding Villanova to a 10-5 record, including a 3-2 mark and third-place finish in conference play. Marks has had five players earn USILA Honorable Mention All-America accolades and has seen his players earn All-Conference recognition 17 times. In addition, 14 players have competed in the annual North/South All-Star Game, and two players have earned at least a share of the CAA Player of the Year award. Villanova also produced the conference Rookie of the Year in 2003 and the Defensive Player of the Year in 2004. Villanova's success has not gone unnoticed by the national lacrosse media. The Wildcats ended the 2004 season ranked 14th in the nation, the highest ranking in school history. The 2004 final polls marked the third time the last six years that Villanova was nationally ranked at the end of the season. The Wildcats ended the 2000 campaign with a 9-5 record and were ranked 23rd, while the 2001 squad went 8-6 and was ranked 20th. In 2000, Marks was honored with the Frenchy Julien Sportsmanship Award, which is presented annually to a coach who demonstrates outstanding and continued service to the game. Marks won his 100th career game on April 24, 1996, when Villanova defeated Lehigh 6-4. More recently, he reached the 150-win plateau on March 23, 2003, when the Wildcats defeated Colgate 10-3. Marks has had the opportunity to coach all three of his sons while at Villanova. David (30) was `Nova's leading scorer in 1996 before transferring to Johns Hopkins University, where he graduated in 1998 as the Blue Jays' third-leading scorer. Justin (25) and Brian (24) each enjoyed stellar Wildcat careers. Justin was a three-year starter who finished his career with 53 goals and 23 assists. Brian graduated in 2003 after a senior year in which he was the CAA Player of the Year and an honorable mention All-American choice. He concluded his standout career as the program's all-time assist leader (114), while ranking sixth in career goals (85) and third in points (199). Marks came to Villanova in 1983 after an 11-year stay as an assistant coach at nearby Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, Pa. During that time he also served as an assistant coach for the school's football program. In addition to his coaching career, Marks was active in the Lower Merion school district for 32 years. He fulfilled many capacities during that time, including the role of Dean of Students at Harriton High School. He recently retired from that position and now focuses his efforts on coaching at Villanova. Marks is a 1969 graduate of West Chester University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education, as well as his Master's degree in Education. Randy and his wife Ginger currently reside in Glenmoore, Pa. |
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